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Americhem launches three new additive masterbatches for synthetic fibre applications
MATERIALS
The optimized rheological behaviour of the Martoxid TM-4000 series as a whole means that these fillers can be used in complex and integrative part designs, including sub-millimetre wall thicknesses, via standard injection moulding techniques, Huber reports. In addition, the faster cooling times achievable using these alumina-based fillers during injection moulding processes can result in a reduction in cycle time of up to 50% compared to standard polyamide parts, the company claims. Martoxid TM-4000 series products are supplied in powder form and have a number of potential applications, including a variety of electronics and automotive technologies. More information: www.hubermaterials.com
Americhem launches three new additive masterbatches for synthetic fibre applications
C
ustom colour masterbatch and functional additives manufacturer Americhem Inc reports that it has developed three new functional additive solutions for the fibres industry. Described by the company as ‘key innovations’, the new masterbatches target dyeing and stain resistance in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) fibres. The products were unveiled at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 tradeshow in Shanghai, China. Americhem’s Deep Dyeing masterbatch provides benefits in the coloration of PET synthetic fibres using disperse dyes, the company reports. Designed particularly for use with fine denier yarns such as PET/PA6 bicomponent fibres, the new additive offers ‘significant advantages’, including dosing flexibility and a 40% reduction in dyeing time, it claims. Among further advantages the masterbatch also enables darker dyeing, reduces effluent treatment costs and imparts a soft feel to the fibres, according to Americhem. The company has also introduced a cationic dye masterbatch for synthetic PET fibres, which allows the replacement of easy cationic dyeable polyester (ECDP), it explains. The new ‘cutting edge’ product is said to provide ‘huge benefits’ to recycled PET (RPET) applications. The dye masterbatch can be blended into bright and so-called ‘semi-dull’ and ‘full-dull’ PET (which refers to the degree of lustre of the fibre and depends on the level of crystallinity), and enables deeper and darker dyeing, Americhem
December 2018
reports. The product is supplied in crystalline form and is said to be environmentally friendly with complete dye bath exhaustion. Americhem has also introduced a masterbatch to improve stain resistance for PA6 synthetic fibres. It is said to provide ‘superior’ stain-fighting performance, and to have wide application in carpeting and clothing. According to Stanley Teoh, VP/managing director of Asia Pacific, sales & marketing, Americhem has ‘always been on the cutting edge’ of technologies in the plastics industry, but as the company’s years of experience in the fibres/textiles segment grew, so did its niche in this market. ‘Now, Americhem’s R&D team is constantly testing and developing new innovations in the fibres industry on a global scale’, he reports. In the USA, the Ohio-headquartered masterbatch manufacturer has joined forces with WeatherTech’s new business PetComfort to develop FDA- and NSF-certified, customized thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, and colour and additive masterbatch solutions to go with them, for use in the business’s pet feeding systems. The additive solutions developed were anti-microbial and antifungal functional masterbatches for TPE and polypropylene (PP). Custom colour masterbatches were provided to match 11 colours across dissimilar materials, while the pre-coloured TPE compound was custom-formulated to attain the required hardness. Americhem says it designed all components of the compounds and masterbatches to utilize FDA-compliant raw materials and worked very closely with National Science Foundation associates who certified the materials. All products were also formulated, sourced and produced in the USA. In other news, Americhem has recently expanded its ColorRx® line of precolour compounds for medical applications. The portfolio now includes polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) and PC/polyester alloys, which have been independently verified as meeting ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards. They are also UL listed as self-extinguishing. The PC/polyester offers improved chemical resistance over standard grades of PC/ ABS. ColorRx products are available worldwide. Americhem is a manufacturer of custom colour masterbatches, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. The company operates ten manufacturing plants and maintains sales offices throughout the world. Its headquarters and central R&D facilities are located in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA. More information: www.americhem.com
Additives for Polymers
3
The optimized rheological behaviour of the Martoxid TM-4000 series as a whole means that these fillers can be used in complex and integrative part designs, including sub-millimetre wall thicknesses, via standard injection moulding techniques, Huber reports. In addition, the faster cooling times achievable using these alumina-based fillers during injection moulding processes can result in a reduction in cycle time of up to 50% compared to standard polyamide parts, the company claims. Martoxid TM-4000 series products are supplied in powder form and have a number of potential applications, including a variety of electronics and automotive technologies. More information: www.hubermaterials.com
Americhem launches three new additive masterbatches for synthetic fibre applications
C
ustom colour masterbatch and functional additives manufacturer Americhem Inc reports that it has developed three new functional additive solutions for the fibres industry. Described by the company as ‘key innovations’, the new masterbatches target dyeing and stain resistance in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) fibres. The products were unveiled at the ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018 tradeshow in Shanghai, China. Americhem’s Deep Dyeing masterbatch provides benefits in the coloration of PET synthetic fibres using disperse dyes, the company reports. Designed particularly for use with fine denier yarns such as PET/PA6 bicomponent fibres, the new additive offers ‘significant advantages’, including dosing flexibility and a 40% reduction in dyeing time, it claims. Among further advantages the masterbatch also enables darker dyeing, reduces effluent treatment costs and imparts a soft feel to the fibres, according to Americhem. The company has also introduced a cationic dye masterbatch for synthetic PET fibres, which allows the replacement of easy cationic dyeable polyester (ECDP), it explains. The new ‘cutting edge’ product is said to provide ‘huge benefits’ to recycled PET (RPET) applications. The dye masterbatch can be blended into bright and so-called ‘semi-dull’ and ‘full-dull’ PET (which refers to the degree of lustre of the fibre and depends on the level of crystallinity), and enables deeper and darker dyeing, Americhem
December 2018
reports. The product is supplied in crystalline form and is said to be environmentally friendly with complete dye bath exhaustion. Americhem has also introduced a masterbatch to improve stain resistance for PA6 synthetic fibres. It is said to provide ‘superior’ stain-fighting performance, and to have wide application in carpeting and clothing. According to Stanley Teoh, VP/managing director of Asia Pacific, sales & marketing, Americhem has ‘always been on the cutting edge’ of technologies in the plastics industry, but as the company’s years of experience in the fibres/textiles segment grew, so did its niche in this market. ‘Now, Americhem’s R&D team is constantly testing and developing new innovations in the fibres industry on a global scale’, he reports. In the USA, the Ohio-headquartered masterbatch manufacturer has joined forces with WeatherTech’s new business PetComfort to develop FDA- and NSF-certified, customized thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds, and colour and additive masterbatch solutions to go with them, for use in the business’s pet feeding systems. The additive solutions developed were anti-microbial and antifungal functional masterbatches for TPE and polypropylene (PP). Custom colour masterbatches were provided to match 11 colours across dissimilar materials, while the pre-coloured TPE compound was custom-formulated to attain the required hardness. Americhem says it designed all components of the compounds and masterbatches to utilize FDA-compliant raw materials and worked very closely with National Science Foundation associates who certified the materials. All products were also formulated, sourced and produced in the USA. In other news, Americhem has recently expanded its ColorRx® line of precolour compounds for medical applications. The portfolio now includes polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) and PC/polyester alloys, which have been independently verified as meeting ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards. They are also UL listed as self-extinguishing. The PC/polyester offers improved chemical resistance over standard grades of PC/ ABS. ColorRx products are available worldwide. Americhem is a manufacturer of custom colour masterbatches, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. The company operates ten manufacturing plants and maintains sales offices throughout the world. Its headquarters and central R&D facilities are located in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, USA. More information: www.americhem.com
Additives for Polymers
3